Gluemess

I picked these up on steepandcheap for a steal, but the inseam was way too short for me. Otherwise, they were really nice and well put together. The large fit well in the waist and the length was true to size. I was hoping for a little more length in the leg to cover my boots since traditionally stoic and b.c. branded stuff was a little too long for most people. For us skinny tall guys it was perfect, but it looks like they've finally figured out their sizing on the manufacturing end of things. Bummer for me.

The major benefit of a bag like this, over a camelback or lexan bottles, is not so much to replace both with one but to utilize the versatility/capacity of a large water container that can also doubles as bladder. You can leave the camelback at home and keep the benefits of a bladder. They are collapsible and only take up as much room as the volume of water they hold, so if space it tight, they are pretty versatile. I bought this after wearing out two Nalgene 3L Wide-Mouth Canteens, and have been satisfied with the durability on the trail & compatibility with my water purifier. I use the 6L Dromedary Bag in my pack (about 1/3 full) and fill it as needed when hiking. Then, when you get to camp, you can fill up the bladder and have enough water for dinner and breakfast from one trip to fill it. The lining inside is nice and prevents bladder taste.
I had problems with the MSR Hydration Kit hose line becoming kinked in my pack, so I opted to assemble my own with a camelback bite valve/tube (which is more rigid to prevent kinking) and a Nalgene lid adapter (cause I already had one). I think that another good alternative is using the MSR spigot Cap with a Camelbak bite valve and hose - if it will stay together securely. Then it may be easier to use for washing cooking/dishes in camp. The nylon cord around the parameter is great for hanging up. A bag like this is not going to replace all your water holding needs - I still take a hard Nalgene bottle or mug, to mix drinks in, but the large capacity allows me to carry a smaller .5L to save space, instead of two or three 1L bottles. For me, it just works better.

Well, I was on my second season this year, using the vario. I was pretty happy with it last year, up until the problems with algae growing in the filter. Turns out that was mostly my fault for not running chlorine through the filter, when I got home. I bought a new filter cartridge and replaced all the seals this year, basically making it good as new. We took it on a six day trip this summer, and it worked pretty well for the first two days. For the most part, the eight of us used it to filter over 40 L of water. Then it just stopped working, half way through another routine pump. It was not able to keep a vacuum, or pump the water through the filter. I again took it apart, and replaced the seals, applying sealant, but it didn't work. Another user had a similar problem, with theirs. Luckily, we had a backup filter, and we used that for the rest of the trip. I took it back and traded it for an MSR Sweetwater. In the end the vario let me down twice, when I have been in the backcountry, so the trade-off has been giving up the faster flow rate for something reliable. After all, if it doesn't work anyway, the extra liter per minute is not going to do me any good. I recommend filter designs that have been around for a while and proven, like the MSR Sweetwater, Katadyn Hiker, or Katadyn Explorer - which they may have discontinued.

This is filter #4 for me. I have had the PUR Expedition, Katadyn Explorer, and am replacing the Vario with this one. I like that the filter is simple, and can easily be cleaned in the field, something I was used to with my old Expedition. I also like the action on the pump, compared to other straight shafted models. It helps make pumping easier. The flow rate is a little slower that I have been used to, but ultimately I am comfortable in trading off for the reliability and size of the Sweetwater. As far as clogging... I used it on about 40 L of water, without having to brush out the filter, but if water is really mirky, you could add the optional silt stopper, and that should eliminate most of the clogging particulate from entering the filter cartridge.

These are fun to take along on trips. Having a larger container reduces spills and makes sharing a cup of hot chocolate easier for two. I like the measuring marks on the side. They are bulky to pack, and so I usually stick our fishing reels inside to justify taking up so much room in the pack. They insulate pretty well and the added lid comes in handy for keeping food warm while you are still cooking, although it is harder to get it really, really tight. I wish the handle did not stick out so far, though. This is not a good ultra-light option, but a pretty good design for eating soup, oatmeal, or hot cocoa, sort of like a compromise between a mug and a bowl.

I like the size of this spool and think that it will be nice alternative to tie up food. The main advantage of the smaller diameter is the length, but you loose some versatility by it not holding as much weight.

I bought this jacket to lighten up my pack weight. It is very breathable and waterproof. I found it to be extremely comfortable in humid conditions and was not left feeling muggy. The size and weight make it a favorite choice when I am looking to conserve both. This is a fast and light option, not really designed to be indestructible. For the price, it is hard to beat.

I have to say that I am not disappointed in these shoes. I tried out a few different options before settling for these. They climb incredibly, especially with the added assist from the heel bar and keeps my center of gravity balanced, which is important when balancing a heavy backpack. I also like that they are light.

I highly recommend trying these out before buying them... even if they seem like a deal you can't pass up. They are awkward when trying to step over obstacles, or turn around. The rough sides wear on snow pants and gators. They are heavier than most other snowshoes. The extension, for extra flotation, flexes too much and reduces stabilization. The bindings are unsuitable for anything less than a heavier boot, and are cumbersome to get in and out of.

These canister sizes are great for saving weight and space in my pack. Except on shorter trips, I always pack one that was previously used and one that is brand new. I've always rotated canisters like this and it saves a lot room over carrying two of the larger sizes available. This mix seems to last a little longer than the same size Jetboil canisters in colder climates, and higher altitudes (10,000 ft - 25 to 30 deg F) although neither performed ideally, and recommend a liquid fuel stove for similar conditions.

I got a pair of these for my wife. She loves them. They also have the benefit of being polarized, along with the wrap around design, which reduce glare - yet remain stylish.

This spool is compact enough that I will pack it along this year, using it to tie my food bag up and away from critters. I am not sure if 100 lb test is strong enough to hold my tarp securely, but I'll give it a try. It seems that this size would be best suited for making ditty bags or securing things that don't require a lot of tension. If you need that, go with the 3mm.

I love this light. I especially appreciate how easy it is to turn on and off. It is small and the thicker band is more comfortable and does not add much weight over the zipka.

This bag is relatively lightweight but probably costs under $3 to make. Recommended for those who care more about having their stuff sack match their pad than saving weight. So, what else are you going to use? To really save oz. try a couple of rubber bands instead.

I took this pad winter backpacking, and froze my ass off. I could feel the warmth being sucked out beneath me. Luckily I also took my crazy creek and was able to put it underneath it the next night to insulate my body. In contrast, I also have the older Therm-a-rest Luxury LE - which insulates 2 times better, probably because of how the chambers are constructed. In the summer, it is a bit overkill, and I would recommend either a shorter model or the 3s version to save space and weight.

I would like it more if the probe was longer...
The shovel packs nicely, and it is nice to have it along, just in case.

This water filter was awesome for the first few trips. Pumping was easier than ever. Having a pumping action similar MSR models really eases the strain of pumping. Aside from that, I really noticed little difference from my PUR Expedition, or Katydyn Explorer. The last trip we took, we noticed a distinct taste in the water filtered from the Vario, and it was awful. After talking with some people, it would seem that the carbon can house a particular algae found in the High Uintas if it does not dry completely in between trips. I have to wonder if it is mostly my fault for not running some bleach through the filter, after the second to last trip, as I had done for all the others to kill anything left in there. The trips were so close together I did not think it would matter. With a new filter, and some extra carbon packages, we will give it another chance this upcoming season, and see if the problem is user error or an issue with the design.

I bought this tent a few years back, to lighten my load. At the time, it was the longest 2 man tent I could find, less than 5 lbs. I am 6'9", but two people my size can easily fit into this tent. It has been with me through hellish wind on top of Boulder Mt. and early snow storms in the Uintas. Through it all it has never failed me. Having two doors and two vestibules is extra nice, and the way the doors are designed allow me to easily dress, store my boots, and get in and out without any hassle. By far this is the most admirable aspect of the tent, and despite limited space, each person has their own vestibule area to stick their crap. I appreciate that it breathes fairly well, but I think that it could improve if they used mesh for the whole of the inside of the tent, instead of that piece of fabric you see along the top. Often I wake in the morning and find that condensation has built up along this stretch and runs down to get the bottom of my bag wet. I have only found that I have this problem when it rains at night and the temperature is below 40 degrees. Otherwise it is dry inside. When it does get wet, seconds in some morning sunlight quickly dries the lightweight fabric, and it is packed away for the trail. The bent pole design allows for a more vertical wall shape inside and establishes more room. The only drawback is that this design allows a lot of flex in the tent. Make sure to guy it out well if the weather is really wet to prevent the rain fly from touching the inside of the tent, or if it is really windy. This will also keep your poles from bending or breaking. If you are shorter, look for a nice freestanding option that will provide you more headroom and stability in bad weather. But for taller people (7' sleeping bag) I am not sure there are many (or any) other options.